Author: KESQ

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Coachella Valley Water District and Desert Water Agency have reached a settlement agreement regarding water rights and water management throughout the Coachella Valley, the tribe announced today.

The agreement stems from two lawsuits against the water districts by Agua Caliente, which argued for ownership of the groundwater stored under the reservation.

All parties involved have agreed to give sovereign authority to Cahuilla Indians over its groundwater, and will jointly cooperate to provide water sustainability for residents living on the reservation through the existing infrastructure, the statement said.

“The agreement affirms the Tribe’s right to manage, regulate and govern the use of the Tribal Water Right in the Coachella Valley, and at the same time will provide a real benefit to the entire Coachella Valley,” Tribal Chairman Reid Milanovich said in a statement.

The next step will be to seek legislation from Congress to approve the settlement and to authorize up to $500 million in federal funding. The funding will ensure sustainability of the Indio Subbasin and would improve several water infrastructures, officials said.

“Desert Water Agency customers can be certain this agreement will not affect our ability to provide safe and reliable water,” DWA Board President Paul Ortega said. “They will continue to receive dedicated customer service and high-quality water. This settlement respects the Tribe’s sovereign rights to help manage and regulate water within a portion of our vast aquifer.”

For more information: https://www.aguacaliente.org/watersettlement

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Athena Jreij

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) — East Valley animal rescues Support 4 Paws says they’re overwhelmed with abandoned dogs in Thermal, specifically those coming out of Oasis Mobile Home Park.

Kimberly Raney with Support 4 Paws says with the help of Animal Action League, her team has fostered, fixed and found homes for dozens of abandoned dogs and puppies from Oasis Mobile Home Park, but they’re at capacity and urgently need fosters and adopters.

On top of that, Raney says every dog they’ve taken in has a tic-borne illness that in some cases, can lead to death in days.

“Every dog that we have pulled from trailers have tested positive for at least one tic-borne illness that then starts to affect their red blood cells and makes them anemic, makes them very sick. So if caught early enough, we can treat it with doxycycline and they have a good prognosis. But we have been overwhelmed with how many there are. They are everywhere,” Raney said.

Since Oasis is on the Torres Martinez Indian Reservation, county animal control can’t enforce in the area.

Years ago when the park was facing water contamination issues, the county did step in and helped relocate over a hundred families. Rescuers say when those families leave their homes, they’re also leaving behind pets.

Looking for answers, News Channel 3 reached out to Supervisor Manuel Perez, the county, tribal leaders and property management.

Perez was unavailable for an interview but said via email, “Because of the need, Supervisor Perez made it a priority to do spay and neuter clinics in Oasis to make sure the Oasis Mobile Home Park community has help from the county, at no cost to residents, to spay and neuter their pets. It’s a challenging situation and we’ve done a lot as a county to assist Oasis Mobile Home Park.  At this point, what’s needed are homes for pets.”

While tribal leaders didn’t respond, property management said they have been unreachable and have little resources to handle the issue.

An Oasis landlord who didn’t want to go on camera said just days ago, a young girl was bitten by a loose dog.

While answers stall, Support 4 Paws says time is running out for their furry friends.

Dogs like Bo, who was rescued just days ago and died on Wednesday from a tic-borne illness.

It’s why they’re adamant on getting animals into homes, with some volunteers saying they’ll even drive dogs across state lines to adopters.

Local rescues say the issue could take months to even years to resolve, but that they are making progress.

To get in contact with Support 4 Paws, visit: https://support4paws.org/

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Julia Castro

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) —A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with last month’s deadly car bombing outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic, federal authorities announced Wednesday.

Daniel Park, of Kent, Washington, was taken into custody late Tuesday at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, according to U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles Bill Essayli. He was charged Wednesday with providing and attempting to provide material support to a terrorist, Essayli said.

Daniel Park

He is accused of helping supply the explosive materials used in the May 17 attack on American Reproductive Centers, which federal officials have labeled an act of domestic terrorism.

Park made his initial appearance in federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday. He is set to be extradited to California.

Daniel Park courtroom sketch(Courtesy of Alba Acevedo)

The primary suspect in the bombing, 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus of Twentynine Palms, was found dead at the scene. Authorities say Park and Bartkus shared anti-natalist extremist views — a belief system opposing human reproduction — and that Park had been posting such content online since at least 2016.

Park was arrested as he returned to the United States from Poland, from which he was deported, Essayli said. Park “left the United States to go to Europe” days after the bombing.  

According to Essayli, Park shipped about 180 pounds of ammonium nitrate, which is “commonly used to construct homemade bombs,” from Seattle to Bartkus’ home in Twentynine Palms and also arranged for another shipment of an additional 90 pounds.

Three days before Park arrived at Bartkus’ house, records from an AI chat app show that Bartkus researched how to make powerful explosions using ammonium nitrate and fuel, federal prosecutors said.

FBI Assistant Director in Charge in Los Angeles Akil Davis said Park was also in possession of an “explosive recipe” similar to the device used in the deadly 1995 Oklahoma City federal city bombing.

Essayli said Park “shared Bartkus’ extremist beliefs” and he visited Bartkus’s home in Twentynine Palms for about two weeks in late January and early February, “spending time together running experiments in Bartkus’ garage, where the FBI recovered large quantities of chemical precursors and laboratory equipment after the bombing.”

Two days after the bombing, Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills told News Channel 3’s Peter Daut that authorities were investigating whether someone else may have been involved, stating that he believed other people had knowledge on the plan.

“You mentioned other people who may have been involved? Peter asked Mills.

Mills answered, “This is just my personal opinion, not professional, but yeah, I believe people knew because he was on… in chat rooms. He was on YouTube, he was experimenting with explosives. Other people knew that there were all kinds of views and comments on some of those, on some of those things.”

STATEMENT FROM PALM SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Palm Springs Police Department is aware of an arrest made by the FBI in connection with the May 17 bombing incident. We appreciate the ongoing work of the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force as they continue their investigation. Our department remains fully committed to working with our federal partners. Keeping our community safe is our top priority, and we will continue working closely with the FBI to make sure that happens.

We ask our community members to avoid speculation, as this remains an active investigation. The FBI is leading the case and continues to keep us informed. We will continue to share updates with the public as information becomes available and appropriate to release.

During the explosion, at least five people were injured, and the blast caused major damage to the clinic as well as 40 other properties, with at least 8 buildings deemed unsafe to occupy. The bombing caused approximately $12 million in damages. 

Thousands of embryos and eggs stored inside the facility were saved due to the quick response of emergency crews.

Officials said local law enforcement had not previously flagged either suspect. Evidence recovered from a phone at the scene showed Bartkus pacing outside the car for over 30 minutes before the explosion and speaking into the phone moments before detonation.

The investigation remains ongoing, and federal officials are asking the public to come forward with any information by calling 1-800 CALL FBI.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on this developing story both on-air and online.

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Allie Anthony

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — Richard Gauthier was 19 when he was sent to Vietnam to serve in the Army. After he was injured by fragments from a rocket launcher, he received a Purple Heart.

Now 79, Gauthier is a member of American Legion Post 739 in Indio, and he’s working to start a new Purple Heart chapter for members in the Coachella Valley. So far, he has found nearly 25 Purple Heart recipients in the area and is reaching out to them to help launch the local chapter.

The nearest chapter is in San Bernardino, where Gauthier drives once a month to attend meetings. He hopes to start the Coachella Valley chapter to support and uplift other Purple Heart recipients.

 

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Cynthia White

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KESQ) – Assembly Bill 1145 – “Tristin’s Bill” – passed the Assembly Floor with bipartisan support on Wednesday, marking a step forward in improving highway safety.

The bill directs the state to conduct a comprehensive safety study of Highway 74, along with similar roads across the state, which will analyze accident data and roadway conditions over the past ten years. The goal is to find dangerous patterns and to recommend safeguards to prevent tragedies in the future and protect drivers, residents, and visitors.

With Wednesday’s vote, AB 1145 now moves to the State Senate for further consideration.

The bill is named in memory of Tristin Bourgeois, a 27-year-old La Quinta resident who died in a crash with a big rig on Highway 74 near Vista Point in Palm Desert in October 2024.

Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio) said in a statement regarding the bill’s passage, “I am thankful to my colleagues in the Assembly for passing this commonsense study that will save lives in the community I call home. For far too long, Highway 74 has been plagued by traffic accidents and tragic deaths along a beautiful yet dangerous stretch of road that serves as a lifeline to our community. Tristin’s Bill is not only about honoring the life of Tristin Bourgeois – it’s about making sure no other family has to suffer the loss of a loved one.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates on this legislation.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A Cathedral City man arrested after five kittens were found dead in a trash bag was arraigned on Tuesday.

Jorge Edwin Ramirez pleaded not guilty to five counts of animal cruelty charges.

Ramirez was arrested on April 29 on the 32300 block of Aurora Vista Road after a resident called police and said they found a bag containing five dead kittens in their backyard, the Cathedral City Police Department reported.

During the investigation, CCPD officers found surveillance video which showed a suspect tossing a trash bag the reporting party’s fence on Friday, April 25 at about 10:30 a.m.

“The trash bag that was tossed over the fence contained five kittens which were later found deceased inside the bag. Officers were able to locate the suspect from the video,” reads a CCPD news release.

Ramirez was interviewed and admitted to the crime, police said.

He is scheduled to return to court on July 10 for a felony settlement conference.

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Jesus Reyes

UPDATE 06/06/2025:

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – After Tuesday’s downpour caused enough flooding, mud, and debris to make many area roads dangerous and impassable, the City of Twentynine Palms reported Friday evening that Adobe Road is now open, but down to one lane going north and south.

They say the city’s Public Works crew will continue working hard to completely open Adobe Road by next week.

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – A major road remains closed Wednesday after a storm brought flooding to Twentynine Palms.

As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, Adobe Road from Raymond Way to Amboy is closed all lane is all directions. City officials said there is between two feet to two and a half feet of standing water in the “Adobe Punchbowl.”

Indian Trail from Lear to Mesquite Springs is in an unknown condition.

The City’s Public Works Crew is finishing up clearing debris off the following roads. While the roads are now passable, constituents still need to travel with caution:

Mesquite Springs has been cleared from Two Mile to Indian Trail

Indian Trail has been cleared from Mesquite Springs to Adobe Road

Raymond Way has been cleared from Mesquite Springs to Adobe.

At the Marine Corps Base (MCAGCC), the Condor and Main gates are open. Ocotillo Gate is open for inbound traffic only, pending the clearing of Morongo Road.

“We are operating on a late-start this morning, with non-essential personnel reporting at 0900 to keep the roads clear of traffic for the road crews,” reads an update from the city.

Videos from residents on Tuesday around the area show flooding around the town, as well as hail.

Courtesy of Kate Hengl

News Channel 3 spoke with local drivers who jumped in to help neighbors stuck in the storm.

“I did several tonight for free. The CHP, says to go, we go,” David Bailey said. “It’s normally $250 an hour, but we’re not getting paid today.”

Lisa Nieves, Twentynine Palms resident, said the community comes together during situations like this. “We’re just going to move on and look for another day tomorrow,” Nieves said.

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Jesus Reyes

UPDATE 06/10/2025: PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Unified School District Board of Education has named Dr. Marcus Funchess as the new PSUSD Superintendent.

The PSUSD Board of Education will take action on Dr. Funchess’ contract at its upcoming June 24th meeting. Dr. Funchess will begin his employment on July 1st, following Dr. Tony Signoret’s retirement on June 30th.

Dr. Funchess says he looks forward to “building a solid foundation of trust, transparency, and collaboration,” adding that his initial goals are to elevate academic success and equity, and ensuring fiscal responsibility and operational excellence.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Unified School District board of education has identified Dr. Marcus Funchess as a finalist to serve as the next Superintendent of Schools.

The selection comes after a rigorous selection process and vetting of more than thirty candidates.

The board will consider and is expected to consider and approve Funchess’ employment agreement, with a start date of July 1, at its June 24 meeting, immediately following Dr. Tony Signoret’s retirement on June 30.

Funchess is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at the San Bernardino City Unified School District. He has a history of improving student achievement, building strong relationships with employees, parents, and community members, and focusing on the support of “scholars,” the title he gives to all the students he serves.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Funchess served as a Director of Human Resources, an elementary principal, an elementary assistant principal, and an elementary school teacher, all in the San Bernardino City Unified School District.

“Dr. Funchess has an impeccable reputation for integrity, advancing equitable outcomes for all students, fostering positive labor relations, and building strong community partnerships,” said PSUSD Board President Sergio Espericueta. “All of that, combined with his enthusiasm and passion for student success, has distinguished Dr. Funchess within a highly competitive field of outstanding candidates.”

Funchess earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Redlands, a master’s degree in Cross-Cultural Teaching from National University, and a bachelor’s degree from Cal State University of San Bernardino.

“From the moment I thought there was a possibility that I could be the next Superintendent of PSUSD,” commented Funchess, “I was inspired by the opportunity. I am prepared to lead and work with the PSUSD community, as we work together to implement a strategic, future-oriented vision that places student success at the forefront. I look forward to engaging with the students, employees, and community members as we begin this crucial work together.”

The PSUSD Board expressed its appreciation to the educational and community partners who contributed to focus groups and survey feedback to develop the leadership profile that was foundational to the superintendent selection process as well as all applicants who put forth their time and energy in offering their candidacy to serve PSUSD and its families in this vital role.

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A Yucca Valley man has been charged with threatening to assassinate then-President-elect Donald Trump after last year’s election, the Department of Justice announced on Tuesday.

Thomas Eugene Streavel, 73, of Yucca Valley, was arrested Monday and charged with three counts of making threats against the President-elect, the DOJ confirmed.

Streavel was arraigned in United States District Court in Riverside on Tuesday where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. A July 28 trial date was scheduled and a federal magistrate judge ordered him released on $10,000 bond.

According to the DOJ, if convicted, Streavel would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count.

“This defendant is charged with threatening the life of our President – a man who has already survived two deranged attempts on his life,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice takes these threats with the utmost seriousness and will prosecute this crime to the fullest extent of the law.”

“The type of rhetoric and threats made by this defendant are similar to those that led to an attempt on the President’s life last year,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “There is no place for political violence or threats of violence in the United States. We will not hesitate to arrest and charge others who engage in similar criminal conduct.”

According to the indictment that a federal grand jury returned on May 29 and was unsealed Tuesday, Streavel used his Facebook account before the 2024 U.S. presidential election to post multiple messages expressing his desire to harm or have others harm President Trump.

After the 2024 presidential election, Streavel allegedly continued using Facebook to post about assassinating President Trump. For example, on November 6, 2024 – the day after the election – Streavel posted, “[T]rump is a dead man walking for the time being until a patriot like myself blows his [expletive] brains out in the very near future.

The indictment alleges several instances in which Streavel knowingly and willfully threatened to kill and inflict bodily harm on Donald Trump, who then was the President-elect of the United States.

On November 12, 2024, Streavel posted a message on Facebook that read, in part, that he was “willing to make America great again and blow his [expletive] brains out.”

On November 19, 2024, Streavel posted a Facebook message that read, in part, “Let me put a bullet right between the ears of your president-elect…That’s my purpose for living.”

On November 28, 2024, Streavel wrote on Facebook, “I’m praying for a successful assassination of your president-elect” and “My life’s mission is killing the worthless LOSER [expletive] and my mission starts tonight so watch yourself trump [sic], you are a dead [expletive] and I am your assassin.”

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Jesus Reyes

As temperatures rise in the Coachella Valley, the City of Palm Springs reminds residents that cooling centers are now available to provide relief when temperatures hit 100 degrees or higher.

The following locations will serve as cooling centers through the end of September:

James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center480 W. Tramview RoadOpen Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.(760) 323-8271

Palm Springs Public Library300 S. Sunrise WayOpen Monday & Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.Tuesday & Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.(760) 322-7323

Check Out Our Cooling Center Section for an Interactive Map of Riverside County Locations

City officials say pets are welcome! Dogs must be on a leash, and cats must be in a carrier.

Additionally, Martha’s Village and Kitchen will operate the Palm Springs Access Center, 225 El Cielo Rd. (across from the airport), daily as a cooling space for unhoused individuals. Those in need of overnight shelter will be transported to the Palm Springs Navigation Center.

For more information, visit EngagePalmSprings.com

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